Yokozuna Hakuho dodged a bullet from rank-and-filer Tochiozan on Sunday to claim his eighth straight win and take sole possession of the lead at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho, seeking a record-extending 42nd top-division title, looked on the verge of an upset against No. 4 maegashira Tochiozan midway through the 15-day meet at Edion Arena Osaka.
Tochiozan (1-7), who has only beaten Hakuho twice in 40 attempts, resisted the yokozuna's initial charge and pulled him down and around into a dangerous position, wrapping his arms around Hakuho from behind.